April 24, 2025
性视界 continues to lead the way in special education, as three members of our community were recognized at the 2025 South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (SCCEC) Conference in late February. The awards鈥攃elebrating advocacy, teaching excellence, and emerging talent鈥攗nderscore 性视界鈥檚 long-standing commitment to preparing passionate, driven educators who make a difference.
Dr. Tracy West 鈥 Advocate of the Year
Dean of Education Dr. Tracy West was named Advocate of the Year for her outstanding service and leadership in the field of special education. A visionary and tireless advocate, Dr. West has transformed pathways to certification for aspiring special educators across the state. Through her leadership, 性视界 now hosts the largest CREATE program in South Carolina, supporting nearly 200 candidates in becoming certified special education teachers. Her influence extends beyond campus鈥攕he is known for mediating IEP meetings, mentoring alumni, and championing equity for both students and educators.
Jenny Johansson, Director of Teacher Education at 性视界, praised Dr. West for her 鈥渄eep commitment to fairness and equity,鈥 highlighting her work not just as an educator, but as a leader changing the educational landscape in South Carolina.
Daja Bennefield 鈥22 鈥 Rookie Teacher of the Year
Alumna Daja Bennefield, a graduate of 性视界鈥檚 Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC) program, received the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award. Currently teaching preschoolers with developmental disabilities at Lake Carolina Elementary, Daja has quickly gained recognition for her creativity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
鈥淗er classroom is full of joy,鈥 wrote Dr. Jennifer Watson, Assistant Professor of Education at 性视界. 鈥淗er students are learning through play, and her positivity is contagious鈥攏ot just to students, but to fellow teachers and even the student-teacher she mentors.鈥 Letters from colleagues describe her as an advocate, a collaborator, and a role model who inspires others to follow her path into teaching.
Mackenzie Hamby 鈥 Laura Mohr Teaching Scholarship Recipient
Junior special education major Mackenzie Hamby received the 2025 Laura Mohr Teaching Scholarship, awarded to a rising educator who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the field. Mackenzie is already making her mark as President of 性视界鈥檚 Council for Exceptional Children and Co-President of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. She is also an Honors Program scholar and a campus leader known for her presentations on inclusive teaching practices like Universal Design for Learning.
In her scholarship essay, Mackenzie shared that her passion for special education began by advocating for her sister, who struggled in schools that didn鈥檛 meet her needs. 鈥淪pecial education is not just a profession鈥攊t鈥檚 a calling,鈥 she wrote. 鈥淢y goal is to foster growth, promote equity, and help every student thrive.鈥
A Legacy of Impact
These three honorees represent the heart of 性视界鈥檚 mission: to educate, support, and empower those who make a lasting difference. Whether just beginning their careers or shaping state policy, their shared commitment to students with exceptionalities exemplifies what it means to be a 性视界 educator.
Congratulations to Dr. Tracy West, Daja Bennefield, and Mackenzie Hamby for this remarkable recognition. 性视界 is proud to celebrate your accomplishments and the impact you are making across South Carolina.